Frugal Shopping Ideas for November

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, November is an excellent month for deals relating to cooking, baking and housekeeping. Now is the time to get ready for the holidays, and winter.

November is also the month where Cyber Monday and Black Friday offer some truly excellent deals on electronics, toys, games and other holiday gifts to kick off the gift-giving season.

There are deals to be had all over the place during the month of November.

Fruits and Vegetables

✴ Oranges
✴ Cranberries
✴ Tangerines
✴ Pomegranates
✴ Pears
✴ Pumpkins
✴ Persimmons
✴ Sweet potatoes
✴ Broccoli
✴ Spinach
✴ Mushrooms
✴ Winter squash

Grocery Savings

✴ Turkey
✴ Cheese
✴ Butter
✴ Baking supplies
✴ Pie crusts and readymade dough
✴ Frozen pies
✴ Dinner rolls
✴ Cake mix and frosting
✴ Pie fillings
✴ Nuts
✴ Spices
✴ Dried fruits
✴ Halloween clearance candy
✴ Soup
✴ Broth
✴ Marshmallows
✴ Oatmeal

Other Non-Food Items:

✴ Trees, bulbs and shrubs
✴ Carpeting
✴ Flooring
✴ Electronics
✴ Tools
✴ Toys
✴ Christmas gifts
✴ Aluminum foil
✴ Baking pans
✴ Plastic wrap
✴ Cookware

Remember: There’s nothing wrong with buying during the right season to save money if you’re buying products that you intended on purchasing anyway. Shop smarter, live better! That is our motto.

Share

November Finance Calendar

November1-30 Real Jewelry Month.

With silver and gold prices steadily increasing, this month is the perfect time to start investing in silver and gold with some wise jewelry purchases. Don’t get taken in by diamonds-the man-made ones are everywhere. Precious metals have shown long-term value for centuries. Look for a high K rating; the higher the number for example 18K gold, the more pure it is. (24K is completely pure, but too soft to wear safely.)

1st Request a free annual copy of your credit reports.

Get your free copy of your credit report from one of the credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian or Trans Union. Alternate which report you request every four months to ensure you have a balanced look at your credit throughout the year, rather than getting all three at once and then not knowing what is happening until next year, unless you want to pay to find out more.

1st Seniors age 70.5+ need to start to draw down on their IRAs.

This is the deadline to take out your required minimum distribution from your tax-deferred retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(K). An accountant can help you calculate the required amount you need to withdraw by the end of the year. Remember that the IRS will penalize you if you don’t take out the required minimum. If you don’t want to spend it, put it in another form of investment, or start shopping for the holidays.

3rd Sandwich Day.

This day is a tribute to the now global phenomenon of the sandwich, named after the Earl of Sandwich, a notorious gambler who didn’t want to leave the gaming tables. He had his servants put his meat between two slices of bread, and the rest, as they say, is history.

You will not want to gamble with your family’s fortunes, however, so use this say as a reminder to save money by brown-bagging your lunch at least 3 days each week to add to your savings. If you can manage to do it for all 5 days, you will be the king or queen of frugal lunches. Start today with a tasty sandwich made with your favorite ingredients and celebrate your road to more savings.

4th Use Your Common Sense Day.

Turn Common Sense Day into Common Cents Day with smart saving techniques like clipping coupons and shopping supermarket sales. Your savings can really add up when you use strategies like these every week. Set financial goals and online bank accounts for each of the goals, for example, college savings, a Christmas fund and a vacation fund. Apply what you save on lunches out and unskillful shopping to these accounts and watch yourself get nearer and nearer to your goals.

11th Veterans Day.

Remember how veterans are the reason you can celebrate the freedoms you have today. Volunteer your time or money to help a veteran. Think about hiring a veteran if you are a business owner. Think about helping the families of those who are still serving overseas. To help completely free every day, go online to theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple button to donate free food to animal shelters around the country. Then click on the tab for Veterans, and click on the button to help support veterans in need and their families.

The Great American Smokeout.

The American Cancer Society sponsors this movement on the third Thursday of every November. Today is the day to give up smoking for 24 hours to see if you can quit forever. Think of the savings that can add up if you get rid of your $10 or so per day habit.

Thanksgiving.

This is an important holiday in America in which people get together with family and friends to give thanks. It falls on the last Thursday of November every year. Even though you may be preparing a huge holiday meal for family or friends, you can still do Thanksgiving on the cheap by shopping the sales beforehand for all the canned and packaged goods and getting a frozen turkey at the start of the month. Plan your meals and menu carefully to stretch all the food as far as it will go. Don’t make yourself and everyone else miserable (and fat!) by forcing them to eat leftovers for days after.

Instead, package up a little of everything into your own ‘TV dinners’ that can be heated quickly in a microwave for lunch or dinner. You will save on eating out this way and have healthy meals on hand any time. Just be sure to go light on the butter and cream in all your recipes. There is really no need to drench delicious potatoes or sweet potatoes in butter, milk or marshmallows. Some careful shopping and common sense can ensure that you don’t break your budget or bloat your belly.

Black Friday.

Traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year, with bargain hunters out in droves. Get some early Christmas shopping done and you may save some money on popular items such as electronics and toys. But know what things cost before you buy and keep all receipts in case you need to return anything. Also pay attention to price match guarantees-if you find a lower price, take advantage of it.

Cyber Monday.

The Internet age brought in the addition of Cyber Monday, similar to Black Friday but for online businesses to run their own super sales. Try to plan ahead so you can buy what you need and save money on some early Christmas shopping. Be sure to comparison shop and buy from trusted retailers. Also be prepare for errors on websites or even crashes as some sites struggle to cope with desperate bargain hunters.

Be careful with those credit cards.

Remember that if you are shopping online, you will most likely be using a credit card. Keep track of your purchase to avoid credit card fraud and overspending. It isn’t a great bargain if you will be paying for the item months or even years after you buy it (or even after it has broken and been replaced!).

Keep in mind that credit card companies make their main profits from people who get into trouble with debt. Make sure you will be able to pay off the bill in full when it arrives at the end of the month, and you should have happy holidays indeed, especially if you manage to snap up some bargains in the month of November.

Further Reading

How to Use the Internet to Save Money

YOUR RECESSION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Save Money and Even Boost Your Income in This Recession

Smart Spending Strategies

Share

Getting Ready for the Holidays Bargain List – November

These are just a few of the items you will want to add to your shopping list and try to get at the best prices.

Fruits and Vegetables

*Oranges
*Cranberries
*Tangerines
*Pomegranates
*Pears
*Pumpkins
*Persimmons
*Sweet potatoes
*Broccoli
*Spinach
*Mushrooms
*Winter squash

Grocery Savings

*Turkey
*Cheese
*Butter
*Baking supplies
*Pie crusts and readymade dough
*Frozen pies
*Dinner rolls
*Cake mix and frosting
*Pie fillings
*Nuts (peanuts, pecans and walnuts for baking and so on)
*Spices
*Dried fruits
*Halloween clearance candy (especially if they do not have Halloween wrappers on them. If they do have orange wrappers, use them around Thanksgiving.)
*Soup (low sodium if you can find it)
*Broth (low sodium if you can find it)
*Marshmallows
*Oatmeal

Other Non-Food Items:

*Trees, bulbs and shrubs
*Carpeting
*Flooring
*Electronics
*Tools
*Toys
*Christmas gifts
*Aluminum foil
*Baking pans
*Plastic wrap
*Cookware

FURTHER READING
YOUR RECESSION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Save Money and Even Boost Your Income in This Recession

Smart Spending Strategies

Share

Money Matters Q and A: Saving Money at Halloween, Part 3

Q. How do I save money on candy at Halloween?

A. Candy prices go up during the last couple of weeks of October because everything adopts the Halloween packaging and is sold specifically for this purpose. Beat the price jump by buying your candy a couple of weeks before the big rush. Store your candy in a cool, dry place, so it’s fresh when it’s time to use it. To save big, shop the sales after the holidays and buy anything that is not specially packaged for Halloween. This candy will do just fine for the Christmas holidays and can be up to 90% off the list price. If it is orange and other fall colors, it will probably do just fine for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Halloween has become a huge holiday in the United States. If you want to get into the holiday spirit without spending a fortune, shop smart and try a bit of DIY and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that you and your children will experience in having a do it yourself Halloween.
YOUR RECESSION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Save Money and Even Boost Your Income in This Recession

Share

Money Matters Q and A: Saving Money at Halloween, Part 2

Q. How can I save money on the things I do need to buy for Halloween?

A. Avoid the fancy Halloween party stores and opt for other options instead. You can buy Halloween decorations through Goodwill and similar secondhand stores. Halloween decorations and certain costume elements can easily be purchased inexpensively secondhand and, when you are done using them, you can donate them back to these stores to pass the savings on to someone else. You can also get a receipt for your donation from the Salvation Army and take the deduction on your taxes next April. Check their website for the value they allow for each item you donate and be sure to get a receipt from them for everything you bring.

Another way to save big is to check out 99 cent stores. They often have cheap decorations, paper goods and coloring books and activity books with holiday themes that your kids can use for decorations, placements, costume ideas and patterns, and more.

Check Pier 1 as soon as the season is over and save up to 90% off on any leftovers of their holiday line. Then put them away until next year.

YOUR RECESSION SURVIVAL GUIDE: How to Save Money and Even Boost Your Income in This Recession

Share

Financial Calendar October

 

October 1-31 National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Perhaps you or someone you love is disabled and working. Take some time this month to talk to your children about this special “branch” of the workforce. Stress that people from all walks of life can earn and support themselves.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This is pink ribbon month, so look out for the pink packages in stores which show that the companies that have joined in have pledged certain monies to help sponsor charity events. Also keep an eye out for walks and other special charity events you can participate in. Or just make a donation through free clicks at theanimalrescuecenter.com. The purple button donates food to animal shelters and the pink donates money toward free mammograms for women who can’t otherwise afford them.

October is also the start of the next fiscal quarter. Keep an eye on all your business finances, and if you are not ready for the holiday selling season yet, well, what are you waiting for?

5th World Teachers’ Day.
Today is set aside to honor teachers and their contribution to the education of children all over the world. Reflect on how you might honor your children’s teachers today and take some time to talk with your children about what they want to be when they grow up. Mention the importance of financial responsibility in order to plan for your financial future and meet all of your goals. Also stop off at theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple button to donate food to animal shelters. Then click on the Literacy site button to donate free books to children all over the world.

8th National Children’s Day.
This day is to celebrate children. If you have children, you know just how important they are to your life. Why not take your children to the bank today and help them open their own savings accounts? Go to theanimalrescuesite.com and click to donate food to animal shelters, then click on the free link for Children’s Health to donate money from the sponsors to support child health care initiatives all over the globe. Also remember that you and the kids can play free sponsored games from the site. The more minutes you log in, the more money the sponsors donate to the worthy causes listed at the site.

Columbus Day.
Columbus Day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas in 1492. Use this day off to review your budget for the past few months and check where you are in terms of savings for the upcoming holidays. You can also head over the theanimalrescuesite.com to click on the purple button to donate food for free to shelter pets, and the green button for the rainforest site to help preserve the last of the world’s great rainforests from further incursions and the loss of habitat that can bring animals living there to the brink of extinction.

15 Sweetest Day.
Sweetest Day was established to do something special for others, particularly for those who are less fortunate than yourself. On this Sweetest Day, make a donation to your local foster care organization or a world hunger cause. Go to theanimalrescuesite.com and click on the purple button to contribute free food to animal shelters. Then click on the yellow hunger button to donate food to end hunger worldwide.

16 National Bosses’ Day.
Celebrate your boss today. After all, it’s most likely because of him or her (directly or indirectly) that you’ve got a job. Even if they can be a pain, think of all the ways your steady paycheck makes your life easier.

16-22 Record all the money you spend for a week.
Beginning today, record every purchase and every bill you pay for the next week. Doing so will help highlight any unnecessary spending and help you curb these habits in the future.

24th United Nations Day.
It was on this day in 1945 that the UN’s document was signed and accepted by Security Council members. This date reminds us of UN’s mission, goals and achievements. Speaking of mission, goals and achievements, what are your missions, goals and achievements related to your finances so far this year? This is a good time to check to see if you are on target with your financial goals.

31 Halloween. “Treat” each of your children by making a $50 deposit into their individual savings accounts this Halloween instead of spending a small fortune on candy, costumes and decorations.

These are just a few ideas on how to make October a profitable and productive money when it comes to money matters.

For more how tos on a variety of money-related topics, see the Money Matters Series from Evelyn Trimborn, published by Eternal Spiral Books.

August 1-31
Family Fun Month.
Celebrate your family all month by planning a fun activity for your family each week: a barbecue one week, a walk through the park the next, and more. Take advantage of the family time together to teach your kids about managing money – a skill that will benefit them the rest of their life.

August 1st-Take time today to find out if your state has a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping. Mark your calendar with the dates and plan to do your shopping then. Set a goal to save big money on back to school-shopping this year.

7th-National Sisters’ Day. If you’re lucky enough to have a sister on this day, plan to spend some time with her. You can swap savvy saving and shopping tips to help save even more money.

12th-International Youth Day. This United Nations observance day pays homage to the world’s youth – their achievements and incredible impact on the world. Talk with your kids today and listen to their dreams for the future. Emphasize the importance of education and employment in creating their best lives possible. Discuss how your family saving for their goals needs to start now and might mean sacrifices today for a better tomorrow.

13th-National Garage Sale Day.
Believe it or not, there’s a day to celebrate the garage sale. Definitely plan to have yours this month. Use the money that you earn to make a difference to your family budget. For example, apply your takings to back-to-school shopping, save it, or invest it.

19th World Humanitarian Day.
This day observes the incredible perseverance by all the world’s humanitarian workers and to promote humanitarian causes. In particular, those who have lost their lives in the fight for humanitarian reasons are honored on this day. Consider a donation to the humanitarian effort of your choice. Think how you can make a difference in the world through your time and efforts. Also remember that wealth is relative. You may not think you have a lot, but you are far better off than many people around the world and there are some things that money can’t buy. Freedom is one of them.

24-Start shopping for a new car.
At this time of year, dealers are selling their remaining inventory of this year’s models at great savings to make room for next year’s new cars. To save some real money on your next new car, shop now for the best deals. Do your research carefully and see if now is the right time to buy.

26th-Women’s Equality Day. Celebrate the date that women were first given the right to vote in 1920 by purchasing a $50 savings bond for each of the favorite women in your life, such as your wife, sisters, and daughters. Women can treat themselves to their own $50 savings bond to celebrate this landmark day. Or, put the money into an interest bearing account and add to it, setting your own goals, hopes and dreams to improve your future.

31th. Make a call to reduce the interest rate on your credit card. It’s so important to try to save dollars however you can. Put some effort into reducing your credit card interest rates. Any reduction in the rate, no matter how small, is extra money in your pocket. The America’s Debt Diet and other websites have sample scripts you can use to help you get started saving money.

Don’t forget to check your budget and emergency fund to be sure you are on track. See the guide Emergency Fund 101 for more information. Also learn How to Use the Internet to Save Money.

Further Reading:

How to Slash Costs and Save Money on Everyday Expenses (More for Less Guides)

Smart Spending Strategies (More for Less Guides)

Share

Saving Money All Year Round-September Hints and Tips

Here are some great ways to save this month.

1-31 “Fruit and Veggies – More Matters” Month.
The month of September is designated as Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month by the Centers for Disease Control to encourage everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables. Focus on eating seasonal fruits and vegetables to save money this month and for the rest of the autumn as the harvest comes in. Visit your local farmers’ markets to get the best prices on local produce or find a vegetable wholesaler for rock-bottom prices.

1st
If you have health insurance coverage through your employment, review your coverage today. Do you need to make any changes to your plan? Speak to HR to ensure you have the coverage that works the best for your family. You will need to sign up for coverage by the end of the year for next year, so start doing your research today instead of just rolling over last year’s coverage without reviewing it.

Labor Day.
Enjoy your well-earned day off. Rather than spend your dollars on eating out, put the money you would spend towards a barbecue, or have a picnic with your family.

8th International Literacy Day.
Consider going through your book collection and deciding which books you can either sell or trade in for credit at your local second-hand book store. Read a current financial expert’s book with wealth-building tips today. Make a donation to the Literacy Site, click to donate free books, or shop in their charity store to get an early start on your holiday shopping.

11th Grandparents’ Day.
Visit your grandparents or your kids’ grandparents today. Ask them to share some tips about how they stretch their dollars. You might be surprised with how much they know about getting more miles out of your money.

15 Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due.
If you’re self-employed or run your own business, remember to mail your estimated tax payment in plenty of time for the IRS to receive it before this date.

19-24th Take your lunch to work this week.
One way to preserve your cash this month is to carry your lunch each day. At $5 to $10 per weekday, you’ll save a fair amount of money to put into your emergency fund or save for one of your family’s other financial goals. You can also put this money into your end of the year holiday fund.

21st International Day of Peace.
This date reminds us all to do what we can to bring about world peace. Make a donation to a cause that promotes world peace and nonviolence. Don’t forget to keep all your charity donation receipts in order to deduct your donation on your taxes when you file them in April of the following year.

23rd First Day of Autumn.
Review your budget and begin planning and preparations for end-of- the-year spending for the upcoming holiday season. If you have not already been shopping and saving now, is the time to get started so that you are not stuck with a lot of bills all in one month this year.

30th Review your debts.
Make a list of all your debts and vow to pay them off. Start with the card with the highest interest and pay off that bill first. Then go to the next highest interest rate and pay that one off. Do not plan on using your cards for any holiday expenses. Pay down each card, keeping only one card with the lowest interest rate for emergencies.

For more information on frugal living all year round, see:
Smart Spending Strategies and How to Use the Internet to Save Money

Share